3 more Philly priests removed in sex investigation

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has removed three more priests from ministry following an investigation into sexual abuse allegations.

Sunday's announcement affects two priests suspended following a scathing grand jury report issued in 2011 and a monsignor suspended last year after his name surfaced on a church list of priests accused of misconduct.

The Revs. Joseph Gallagher and Mark Gaspar were suspended following the grand jury investigation that ultimately led to the convictions of a high-ranking archdiocese official and three others.

One of Gallagher's accusers committed suicide in 2009. His family's attorney says that allegation was ignored.

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Church officials say Monsignor Richard Powers was removed from ministry over an approximately 40-year-old allegation of misconduct outside the archdiocese.

Powers declined comment. Gallagher and Gaspar could not be reached for comment.